LATIFA AL ZAROONI

Senior Chief Civil and Rail Engineering Project Manager

United Arab Emirates

Profile summary

Senior Civil and Rail Engineering Project Manager with 17 years of experience in urban transportation, rail planning, and mega infrastructure projects. Served as Project Manager and Deputy Project Manager on significant rail and transit programs, including Dubai Metro, Trackless Tram, Suspended Transit System, Etihad Rail, and Expo 2020.

Career highlights

Awarded Employee of the Year 2024: [Award]: Named Employee of the Year in 2024 at Dubai Rail Projects, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Led Dubai Rail Master Plan: Project Management: Led Dubai Rail Master Plan Project, coordinating with all stakeholders and developers in Dubai.

Managed Nationally Significant Rail Programs: Project Management: Managed major projects including Expo 2020, Etihad Rail, and Metro extensions over 17 years.

Key skills

Skills
Project and Program ManagementRisk Management and Value EngineeringFeasibility, ROI and Cost EstimationRFP Preparation and Consultant EvaluationStakeholder and Committee GovernanceBudgeting, Scheduling and Resource PlanningTeam Leadership and Cross-Functional CoordinationConcrete and Geotechnical DesignHighway and Airport PlanningSurveying and Urban Traffic ModelingLeadership and Strategic PlanningRisk Management and Problem SolvingTime Management and Analytical ThinkingGovernance and Committee ManagementMicrosoft ProjectCivil Infrastructure DesignRail Infrastructure DesignConstruction ManagementContract AdministrationPermitting and Regulatory Compliance

Professional experience

Project ManagerJan 2024 - Present
Dubai Rail Projects - Roads and Transport Authority RTA | UAE

Led the planning, design, and execution of the Trackless Tram project and metro extensions. Coordinated multidisciplinary teams, stakeholders, and contractors to ensure project delivery on schedule and within budget. Oversaw risk management, sustainability assessments, and compliance with safety regulations. Prepared, reviewed, and monitored project proposals, technical documents, budgets, and international partnerships, including MOU coordination. Implemented committee and governance policies, tracked team performance, and reported to senior management.

  • Lead planning, design, and execution of Trackless Tram project and metro extensions
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, stakeholders, and contractors to ensure project delivery on schedule and within budget
  • Oversee risk management, sustainability assessments, and compliance with safety regulations
  • Prepare, review, and monitor project proposals, technical documents, budgets, and international partnerships, including MOU coordination
  • Implement committee and governance policies, track team performance, and report to senior management
Project Manager and Deputy PMJan 2012 - Jan 2024
Dubai Rail Master Plan and Expo 2020 and Etihad Rail Project in Dubai - Roads and Transport Authority RTA | UAE

As a Project Manager for the Dubai Rail Master Plan Project, the individual coordinated with all stakeholders, developers in Dubai, and internal agencies within the RTA. This role also included serving as Deputy Project Manager during the planning stage of Expo 2020. Responsibilities encompassed coordinating RTA departments for the Etihad Rail project phase in Dubai and Metro station enhancement projects. The individual led committees and teams, evaluated performance, and coordinated work plans. Project compliance with legal, environmental, and sustainability requirements was ensured, alongside monitoring budgets, schedules, and resource allocation. Furthermore, the individual represented projects in internal and external presentations and award submissions.

  • Served as Project Manager for Dubai Rail Master Plan Project in coordination with stakeholders and developers
  • Acted as Deputy Project Manager for Expo 2020 during the planning stage
  • Coordinated among RTA departments for Etihad Rail project phase in Dubai and Metro station enhancement projects
  • Led committees and teams, evaluated performance, and coordinated work plans
  • Ensured project compliance with legal, environmental, and sustainability requirements
  • Monitored budgets, schedules, and resource allocation
  • Represented projects in internal and external presentations and award submissions
Rail Planning StudiesJan 2008 - Jan 2012
Dubai Metro Projects - Roads and Transport Authority RTA | UAE

Led planning and design efforts for Metro Red and Green lines, including the Green Line extension and Transit-Oriented Development studies. Delivered training and knowledge transfer sessions to Rail Agency staff. Developed and tested assessment tools for transport impact evaluation. Coordinated with consultants, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams to achieve project milestones. Ensured quality, compliance, and timely delivery of all rail planning projects.

  • Led planning and design of Metro Red and Green lines, Green Line extension, and TOD studies
  • Conducted training and knowledge transfer sessions for Rail Agency staff
  • Developed and tested assessment tools for transport impact evaluation
  • Coordinated with consultants, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams on project milestones
  • Ensured quality, compliance, and timely delivery of all rail planning projects

Education

Master's, Strategic Management & LeadershipJan 2018 - Jan 2018
American University of Sharjah
Bachelor's Degree, Civil EngineeringJan 2008 - Jan 2008
American University of Sharjah

Certifications

Full Training ProgramDeutsche Bahn DP Transport, Germany
Qyady Leadership ProgramAmerican University of Sharjah
Serco Dubai Metro Operator TrainingSerco